Ascents in the Cairngorms

Suitable for

Beginners

Group size

1-6

Ideal length

2 days

When to go

All year round

Price

From £60pp

This adventure takes place near Grantown on Spey (Cairngorms), a traditional highland town by the River Spey. If you're looking for a classic British mountaineering experience, then this 2 day adventure in the stunning Cairngorms is a great option. Accommodation can be provided by the guide in his great B&B.

On the first day you'll have yourself a delicious breakfast before meeting your guide at 9.00am to discuss the day ahead. Then you'll drive to the start point of your day's hike.

Depending on the weather and the fitness of the group, the guide may take you on a classic itinerary involving ascending to the plateau via the Northern Corries, followed by a crossing of the plateau to reach the summit of Ben Macdui, the highest mountain in the National Park. This is a stunning 8 hour loop which will see you accomplish one of Britain's great mountain days out.

On the second day you will head to a new area of the Cairngorms, with options for ascending Lurchers Crag or Devils Point. Expansive views over lochs, rivers and ancient woods will be had (ask the guide for a story). The history and wildlife of the area will be passed on by your passionate local guide. See if you can spot the elusive ptarmigan or recognise the call of the famous red grouse.

All in all this is a fantastic option because it’s very easy to organize (the guide can provide accommodation and he can pick you up from nearby Aviemore train station). We recommend you first contact the guide to agree a date. Adventure sorted!

Your guide

David Nisbet is a highly experienced Mountain Leader and Cairngorm local. His passion and enthusiasm make him a great person to spend the day with. A former military man, you can expect a very well organised experience! David is dedicated and diligent in his approach and will ensure that you get the very best out of your Cairngorm exploration, with plenty of laughs and time to appreciate this wild landscape.

Contact David today on 01479258495 or send him a booking request through our system.

Additional info

Please note you have to be 18 years or over to book this adventure (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Wilderness Now does not provide this activity. It acts as agent facilitating your entry into a contract in respect of this activity, which is provided by David Sutherland Nisbet.

Included

Accommodation during the adventure

Transport during the adventure

Lunch/ snacks

Option for pickup from bus/train/airport

Breakfast

Not Included

Meals/ drinks

Personal expenditures (e.g. pub drinks)

How to get there

Car to Grantown on Spey

London to Grantown on Spey takes around 9 hours 30 mins driving via the M6.

Train to Grantown on Spey

London Euston or London Kings Cross to Aviemore takes around 7 hours 30 min. There are some direct trains and others that change at Edinburgh Waverley. The Guide will be able to pick you up from Aviemore, which is just 14km for Grantown On Spey.

Plane to Grantown on Spey

There are flights to Inverness from most London airports and then you'll want to rent a car or taxi to take you to Grantown on Spey (just 30mins).

Where to stay

Accommodation is in the excellent townhouse B&B run by the guide in Grantown on Spey. You can ask the guide for a reservation.

Client reviews

Yesterday David took us on a 6 hour hike through “his backyard” ..the cairngorms. We are still trying to proces everything we have seen, been told, have had explained and have tasted (from the fresh water to the whiskey in Haus Alba). There is only one way to find out how wonderfull we felt driving home.. Let David show you his “backyard”.

Irene (Manchester)

We were with 2 adults and a kid of 14 years old and David took us to the 2nd highest mountain of The United Kingdom: Ben Mcdui. We left in the morning at 10:50 a.m. and returned at 17:10 p.m.
The climb was really beautiful and all credits are going to David, what a great guide, full of interesting information about the surroundings, the plants and history. After the climb he invited us to drink a glass of whiskey. He really made us feel very welcome.

Family (South England)

I stayed at Haus Alba and spent two days with David in the Cairngorm mountains. It was an unforgettable experience. From the moment they welcomed me into their comfortable and very clean home I felt I was treated as a friend and not just as another tourist. He introduced me to the plants, animals and customs of the region as we hiked. The hikes he planned were challenging and exactly what I wanted to do in Scotland. I wanted an adventure which would take me off the beaten path. When I left I knew two days were too short but those two days will always be a lasting memory.